Sign up to receive Providence Business News' newsletters and breaking news alerts.

creative economy

Report: Creative jobs on the rise in R.I.

RHODE ISLAND added 770 creative industry jobs and 460 new businesses between 2011 and 2012, according to an annual report from Rhode Island Citizens for the Arts. For a larger version of this chart, click HERE.

The RICFA report, which is based on Dun & Bradstreet registered businesses, showed that the state registered a 52 percent gain in creative sector businesses and a 13 percent gain in creative sector jobs in the period from 2007 to 2012.

“Anecdotally, we’ve long understood the creative industries as a strong and resilient sector, and a significant asset to Rhode Island’s economy,” Libby Slader, RICFA Board Chair said in prepared remarks. “With these compiled figures, we now also have concrete evidence.”

“In addition to providing core industry jobs, the creative sector feeds innovation and entrepreneurship,” said Slader. “This is truly a solid basis for more growth and makes for a wise investment in our state.”

Design-related businesses and jobs showed the most growth between 2011 and 2012, with a 26 percent increase.

From 2007 to 2012, Rhode Island saw a 194 percent surge in design-related businesses from 258 in 2007 to 758 in 2012. Jobs in this field increased 142 percent over the same period, from 535 in 2007 to 1,297 in 2012.

The motion picture industry jumped 47 percent between 2011 and 2012, adding 100 more businesses and 230 more jobs during that time.

“Rhode Island’s creative industries play an important role in building and sustaining a strong economy,” Senate President M. Teresa Paiva Weed said in prepared remarks. “This annual report reinforces the importance of this vital sector to our overall economic health. Jobs are being created in the arts-related businesses, which are important to tourism and broader economic development efforts.”

Business Women nominations are now open. Nominate women who are Leaders in their field, and Women to Watch, who have potential to be tomorrow's leaders. And, tell us of Career Achievers and Great Mentors! Deadline April 17th.

Get the most up-to-date data on the Rhode Island and southern Massachusetts business community from the PBN List Center. Download and purchase PBN Lists as well as the complete Book of Lists in Excel format.